a warm welcome to our history of scouting in west...scouts from abroad are formed into patrols with...
TRANSCRIPT
A warm welcome to our history of Scouting In West Yorkshire Booklet.
This publication is an opportunity to reflect on the events and individuals who have contributed so much to Scout-ing in our County across the years.
Hopefully, this booklet has captured some of the essence of Scouting here in West Yorkshire and will be an aide-memoire to some of the wonderful times we have shared over the years.
Over the years, Scouting here in West Yorkshire has been strong and vibrant, providing opportunity for the young people in the inner city and rural areas of Huddersfield, Halifax and Bradford.
It is our talented and committed volunteers coupled with the events over the years, that have created the rich tapestry that we all now know as West Yorkshire County Scouts. Without those volunteers, Scouting could not be what it is today here in West Yorkshire.
This is very much an opportunity to remember them collectively and in our own personal way. I know we are all incredibly proud of our heritage, our achievements, our volunteers and most importantly our young people, who are the future of Scouting here in West Yorkshire. In particular, I would like to say a BIG thank you to the County Archives Team; as custodians of our heritage, for their contribution in assembling this abridged history of our County.
I hope you enjoy the publication and I wish you all continued success in your Scouting here in West Yorkshire.
County Commissioner,
West Yorkshire County Scout Council.
In 1907 Robert Baden-Powell runs an experimental camp on Brownsea Island, Poole and the Scout Association is born.
On October the 13th 1908 the Huddersfield Association in the County of York is formed.
It consists of the Colne Valley parliamentary area and the parishes of Holmfirth, Kirkburton,
Shepley, Lepton and Kirkheaton.
In 1908 the first part of ‘Scouting for boys’ is published.
In 1909 King Edward VII agrees to the introduction of the King’s Scout Award.
In 1910 the first ever Scout Census takes place, the Sea Scout branch is formally formed and the Silver Wolf is introduced for King’s Scouts (it later becomes the highest Good Service Award
for adults).
In 1911 POR (Policy Organisation and Rules) is published. Scouts are also on duty at the Coronation of King George V and the first Windsor Rally is held with 26,000 scouts reviewed
by King George V.
In December 1911 the tenth Scout Law is added to the original nine.
In 1912 the Yorkshire West Riding Scout County is known to exist.
The North West District consists of Harrogate, Barnoldswick, Boroughbridge, Ripon, Settle, Skipton and Wharfedale.
The Central District consists of Bradford and Leeds, Dewsbury, Batley, Morley, Selby and Wetherby.
The Western District consists of Elland, Halifax, Brighouse and Huddersfield.
The Southern District consists of Barnsley, Penistone, Rotherham and Sheffield.
In 1913 the Western District includes Marsden and District.
In 1914 Districts are changed into numbers.
In 1914 the St Bedes Scout Group opens and becomes the first Catholic Scout Group.
In 1921 the first Gilwell Reunion takes place.
A national open conference takes place at the Metropole Hotel in Leeds.
In 1927 there are 28 Districts.
In 1922/3 the Yorkshire West Riding Scout County becomes just West Riding.
In 1924 there are 24 Districts in the West Riding.
1n 1928 the concept of Scout Groups is introduced.
In 1931 camping standards are introduced.
In 1932 the Silver Acorn is introduced.
In 1934 the first parade of King’s Scouts at Windsor Castle takes place reviewed by King
George V and is followed by the first National Scout Service in St George’s Chapel.
In 1936 the West Riding is divided into Upper, Central and Southern Sections.
The Upper Section consists of: Airedale, Bingley, Bradford, Craven, Farsley,
Harrogate, Keighley, Morley, Nidderdale, Spen Valley, Wetherby, Wharfedale.
The Central Section consists of: Batley, Brighouse, Calder Valley, Castleford, Dewsbury, Elland, Goole, Halifax, Holme Valley,
Huddersfield, Kirkburton, Mirfield, Ossett, Pontefract, Selby, Swillington, Wakefield.
The Southern Section consists of: Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield, Stocksbridge, Wentworth.
In 1940 Gilwell Park is requisitioned by the army.
In 1941 St Bedes Scout Group in Bradford hosts the Catholic Scout Guild at a camp in Bradford.
In 1941 Robert Baden-Powell dies at Paxtu, Nyeri, Kenya and Lord Somers is elected Chief Scout of the UK and Dependent Territories.
Early in 1942, the Imperial Scout Headquarters buys 43 acres of woodland known as Bradley Wood. For this they pay £1000 and are assisted by a grant of £350 from the Board of
Education.
The property is bought from Mr Parks and includes two wooden bungalows in which Mr Parks and his family have lived in for fifteen years.
The site is in the area of the Scout County of West Riding Central.
In 1945 Lord Rowallan is elected as Chief Scout of the UK and Dependant Territories.
A re-organisation of Yorkshire West Riding Scout County takes place and the County is divided into three Scout Counties, each
based on a major city. South Yorkshire based on Sheffield, Central Yorkshire based on Leeds and West Yorkshire based on
Bradford.
Following these changes Bradley Wood is offered to West Yorkshire which now includes Huddersfield and Halifax
Districts.
Captain John Scott is appointed as County Commissioner for the new West Yorkshire County.
The Chief Scout, Lord Rowallan visits Huddersfield and meets around 1550 Cubs and Scouts at St Paul’s Drill Hall.
The first ‘Bob a Job’ week is launched.
A national Rover/Ranger conference is held at the Town Hall in Huddersfield.
The Huddersfield Scouts and Guides hold a ‘Festival of Britain’ week. This runs all week and includes displays and exhibitions at various places including Greenhead Park and also a play
at a local church hall.
A contingent from West Yorkshire Scouts attend the World Scout Jamboree in Austria.
John Beaver is appointed as County Commissioner for West Yorkshire.
World Jamboree in Canada.
A contingent from West Yorkshire attend the World Scout Jamboree at Sutton Coldfield. The event is visited by Her Majesty the Queen.
Jamboree on the Air starts.
World Jamboree in the Philippines.
Sir Charles Maclean is appointed Chief Scout of the Commonwealth.
The 8th to the 10th of June sees the ‘White Rose Rover Scout Moot’. This is a large gathering of Rover Scouts from all over
Yorkshire and is held at Bramham Park.
Baden Powell House is opened by Her Majesty the Queen.
A contingent from West Yorkshire attend the World Scout Jamboree in Greece.
On the 26th / 27th June a large West Yorkshire camp takes place at Bradley Wood.
A Group Scout Leaders and Commissioners Course is held at Bradley Wood. This is the very first such course to be held outside of Gilwell Park.
The Chief Scout’s Advance Party Report is published.
In July a camp is held at Shibden Park, Halifax visited by the Chief Scout, Sir Charles Maclean on the Sunday.
West Yorkshire hold their first Scout Band Competition.
Arthur Wright is appointed as County Commissioner for West Yorkshire Scouts.
50th Anniversary of Wolf Cubs.
New Promise and Law introduced.
A contingent from West Yorkshire attend the USA Jamboree.
The Boy Scout Association is renamed “The Scout Association” and a new training scheme is introduced.
West Yorkshire Scouts host the National Scout Band Championships at Deighton County Secondary School in Huddersfield.
Prince Andrew becomes a Cub Scout.
In August the combined Yorkshire Scout Counties hold the SCOUBADO event.
Bradford Grammar School Venture Scouts become the first people to walk the newly opened Dales Way.
Charles Wilson is appointed as County Commissioner for West Yorkshire Scouts.
Queen’s Guides celebrating the Girl Guides Diamond Jubilee year join Queen’s Scouts at Windsor Castle for the National
Parade.
“Bob a Job” week changes its name to “Scout Job” Week.
New World Membership badge introduced.
The World Scout Jamboree in Japan takes place.
“The Scouter” (National Magazine) is renamed “Scouting”.
A St George’s Day Parade takes place in Bradford at Odsal Stadium, when 3,000 scouts parade around the Odsal track in one of the largest parades in the country.
Sir William Gladstone is appointed Chief Scout of the UK and overseas branches.
The Scout Association launches a new corporate identity symbol “Scouts” incorporating the fleur de lys badge in place of the “o” in “scouts”.
The first County Angling Competition at Bradford Angling Club.
World Scout Jamboree in Norway.
HRH the Duke of Kent is appointed President of the Scout Association.
St Bedes Scouts plan a pilgrimage to Rome.
Diamond Jubilee of Cub Scouting.
West Yorkshire Scouts hold a Diamond Jubilee Cub day at Shibden Park, Halifax.
The Scout Lifeboat is launched.
Girls join the Venture Scout Section.
SCOUBADO camp takes place at Shibden Park and is visited by the Chief Scout, Sir William Gladstone.
National Cub project “Cub Country” to support community projects in Nepal.
Frank Milner is appointed as County Commissioner for West Yorkshire Scouts.
500 Venture Scouts act as torchbearers at the royal fireworks in Hyde Park London, as part
of the wedding celebrations of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The Year Of The Scout.
West Yorkshire holds a Scout camp at Chevin Forest Park Otley. The week-long event features a river festival where scouts entertain the public by racing rafts on the River
Wharf.
Major General Michael Walsh is appointed as Chief Scout.
Cub Scout National Tea Making fortnight.
Beaver Section starts as informal provision for 6 to 8 year olds.
On the 20th November the Chief Scout, Major General Michael Walsh visits Birkenshaw Middle School for a Chief Scout’s Awards Presentation.
World Scout Jamboree in Canada.
The first regional Cubantics weekend takes place at Thirsk racecourse. Each county in the Region hosts a themed activity area and Cub Scouts are able to spend an exciting day
touring round the site. The event continues for a number of years, moving to Wetherby racecourse and finally to Hesley Wood campsite.
New training programme and progress award scheme is launched.
The West Yorkshire Rainbow show celebrating 70 years of Cub Scouting takes place at St George’s Hall in Bradford.
Beavers become members of the movement and change their name to “Beaver Scouts”.
1300 Ventures take part in Viking Venture in Denmark.
Cub Scout Rainbow year.
World Scout Jamboree in Australia
On the 14th February the Chief Scout, Major General Michael Walsh along with Lord Baden-Powell comes to St George’s Hall,
Bradford for a Queen’s Scout Awards Presentation.
The Scamboree event takes place for scouts in fields above the M62 and Scammonden Reservoir. It coincides with the
opening of the Scammonden Activity Centre and so water activities on the reservoir are a key feature of the programme.
West Yorkshire Scouts holds a county expedition to Austria.
Garth Morrison becomes Chief Scout.
West Yorkshire Cub Olympics takes place.
The Venture Section celebrates 21st birthday with Sherpa 88 Appeal.
John Airth is appointed as County Commissioner for West Yorkshire Scouts.
Headgear is abolished from the uniform for all sections.
The Chief Scout Garth Morrison, launches an international initiative to have a series of regional based camps all over the UK. The NE Region host their event at Ripley Castle.
Scouts from abroad are formed into patrols with UK scouts to work and live together in a week of adventure.
London Venture brings together 1500 Swedish Senior Scouts and 3500 British Venture Scouts for an international camping weekend at Crystal Palace.
The Chief Scout Garth Morrison visits the County Event at Heath Park, Halifax.
The first ever West Yorkshire Scouts Gang Show takes place.
Launch of the promise appeal (Scouts go for a Million).
75th Anniversary of Cub Scouting is celebrated with a grand howl in Westminster Abbey.
50th Anniversary of Air Scouting.
New Cub Scout Programme launched.
World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.
Royal charter agreed to allow girls into the younger sections.
170 young people from Chernobyl arrive in Britain for a holiday hosted by Scouts and Guides.
Western Venture takes place for Scouts and Venture Scouts at Weston Park just outside Otley. Hot air balloon flights, jet skiing and sub aqua feature in the programme as well as a helicopter flight for one lucky winner. The event also features a western style BBQ complete
with a cowboy shoot out.
Eccleshill Venture Scouts visit a Romanian Orphanage and undertake community aid work.
National Woggle Day to raise funds for the promise appeal.
The Chief Scout Garth Morrison attends the County AGM at Halifax High School.
West Yorkshire Scouts’ County Gang Show takes place.
Roger Williams is appointed as County Commissioner for West Yorkshire Scouts.
European Venture takes 600 UK Venture Scouts to Europe.
Calder Valley and Sowerby Districts combine to form Calderdale West.
World Scout Jamboree in the Netherlands.
The Gold Rush camp for Cub Scouts is held at Salendine Nook, Huddersfield. It is the culmination of a year-long ‘Cheque Book Challenge’ programme initiative and sees 2000
participants enjoying a weekend with 5 Golden Zones.
Pug’N’Active for Scouts and Ventures takes place on fields close to Pugney’s water park.
George Purdy is appointed as Chief Scout.
Cub Scouts start 80 days of special events to commemorate 80 years of Cub Scouting.
West Yorkshire Scouts’ Gang Show takes place.
The Scout Association’s website “Scoutbase” is launched.
The West Yorkshire Scouts 50th birthday camp is held at the Great Yorkshire Showground on the May bank holiday weekend.
Bradford Venture Scouts Icelandic Venture expedition takes places to the Icelandic Jamboree.
Robert Teasdale is appointed as County Commissioner for West Yorkshire Scouts.
A contingent from West Yorkshire travels to the World Scout Jamboree in Chile.
The UK is named as the host for the 2007 World Scout Jamboree.
West Yorkshire Scouts’ Gang Show takes place.
The first youth representatives on the Committee of the Council (Board of Trustees).
Holme Valley Scouts form the “See ya Compo” hillside tribute in
the closing scenes of the hit TV programme “Last of the Summer
Wine—Elegy For Fallen Wellies” in tribute to the actor Bill Owen.
Bradford East Venture Scouts’ “Scout of Africa” expedition takes place to Kenya, working with the
Kenyan Wildlife Service and visiting Lord Baden-Powell’s Grave at Nyeri.
The Scout Association adopts a new logo and new uniforms.
The Chief Scout George Purdy opens the Jubilee Centre at Bradley Wood.
West Yorkshire Scouts’ Gang Show takes place at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax.
West Yorkshire Scouts offers respite to the children of the Chernobyl disaster area with a two week project “At Home in West Yorkshire”. The children spend a week at Bradley Wood Campsite undertaking scouting activities and a visit to Scarborough, followed by
home hospitality in partnership with the Chernobyl Children’s Charity.
West Yorkshire Scouts’ county website www.wyscouts.org.uk is launched.
New national training programme with revised age ranges launched.—Venture Scouting is closed.
Queen’s Scouts assist at the lying in state of the Queen Mother.
120 Scouts march in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Parade.
Scoutbase, the UK Scout website is re-launched with a new look.
Two contingents from West Yorkshire attend the World Scout Jamboree in Thailand with home hospitality in Malaysia and Singapore.
West Yorkshire Scouts’ International Expedition “Footsteps of the Maya” takes place in Mexico. One group of young people undertake community aid work in an orphanage
whilst another group undertake a cycling expedition.
Neil Leatherland becomes County Commissioner.
Explorer Scouting and Scout Network sections start.
Peter Duncan (Actor) becomes the Chief Scout of the UK.
A district boundary review takes place and the following districts are merged to form new districts:
* Elland and Calderdale West become Pennine Calder District.
* Bradford East and Bradford West become Bradford North.
* Mirfield, Dewsbury and Batley become Heavy Woollen.
* Bingley, Shipley & Baildon become Aire Valley.
West Yorkshire Scouts are chosen to host one of the launches of the European Jamboree “Eurojam” in Essex. The launch takes place as part of a County
Camp.
Several contingents from the County attend Eurojam, and a group of leaders from the County run the Ta-
gus sub camp.
Keighley Scouts attend the Scout Space Adventure in Russia.
West Yorkshire Scouts’ Gang Show takes place.
West Yorkshire Scouts set the record for the most bathers in the White Wells Spa on Ilkley Moor in freezing temperatures and make the local paper.
West Yorkshire Scouts Expedition to Peru, “Myths and Mountains” takes place with one group of young people undertaking community aid work in an orphanage and setting up scouting in the slums of Lima, whilst a second group treks the Inca trail. Both groups join
together to visit the Amazon and stop off in New York on the way home.
The County sends two contingents to the World Scout Jamboree at Hylands park in Essex and offers home hospitality to the Argentinian Scouts.
A number of leaders are also part of the organising team for the Sunrise Ceremony on 1st August to celebrate the 100 years of Scouting as well as staffing a Sub Camp.
A number of other special events to mark the centenary take place within the county; Beaver and Cubs trivial pursuit challenge, photography competition, local balloon
launches, many District centenary camps, planting of 100 trees at Bradley Wood, Ye Old Me-dieval Night, Gang Show, Scouting Sunrise Ceremonies at campsites across the County and a
Thunderball Dinner for Leaders and supporters.
A group of Explorers and Leaders from Wharfedale District travel to Nepal as part of the “Light up Lima Valley 2007” expedition to install lighting in a village in the very remote
North West Nepal.
“Live 07” a festival of Scouting takes place at the O2 arena.
Network members undertake an Explorer Belt Expedition to Japan.
A group of Leaders from West Yorkshire travel to
Nepal as part of the Community Action Nepal charity
to help build a school in Nepal.
Todmorden Gang Show celebrates its 50 birthday.
West Yorkshire Scouts’ Gang Show takes place at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax.
Bear Grylls (TV Presentor) becomes Chief Scout of the UK.
Mark Stageman is appointed as the County Commissioner for West Yorkshire Scouts.
The County develops and opens the County Watersports Centre at Green Withens on Rishworth Moor.
The Chief Scout Bear Grylls, visits the County in a whirlwind weekend consisting of visits by helicopter to the following events:
* Explorer Gliding at Sutton Bank. * A Duke of Edinburgh Expedition taking place at Sconce campsite, Baildon.
* A Network rafting event taking place at Mixenden Reservoir in Halifax. * A County Camp of over 600 young people taking place at Blackhills Campsite at Bingley.
* A sailing regatta taking place at Reva Scout Sailing Centre on Ilkley Moor.
A county expedition to Iceland takes place with adventures such as climbing, canoeing and rafting in Iceland as well as visiting the Gullfoss waterfall, geysers and parliament.
Millionaire Richard Harper visits Bradley Wood to launch the Scout Associations new Entrepreneurs badge and treats a small number of the young people in the Jamboree
Contingent to a trip in his helicopter.
The first ‘It’s Grim up’t North’, a Leaders event on a similar style to the annual Gilwell Reunion is run.
Two contingents from West Yorkshire attend the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden.
A group of leaders also attend as part of the IST, to man the Castle Foodhouse the official UK foodhouse at the Jamboree.
Dr Ingrid Roscoe, The Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire is appointed as the County President.
25th Birthday of Beaver Scouting.
A contingent of young people from the county are selected to receive tickets to attend the Scout enclosure
on the route of the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The young people spend the day
with the Chief Scout Bear Grylls.
A number of members of West Yorkshire Scouts are chosen to carry the Olympic torch in the build up to the London Olympics. In particular John Sayer is chosen by the Duchess of Cambridge as her official representative
to carry the Olympic Torch into Buckingham Palace representing UK scouting in the Torch Relay.
The West Yorkshire Scouts’ Gang Show takes place at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax.
1st Ben Rhydding Scout Group travel to Holland to visit
their twin group.
West Yorkshire Scouts holds “The BIG Camp” at Harrogate Show ground in May. Consisting of over
5500 participants from across West Yorkshire and the North of England, the camp is the County’s largest ever
and runs for three days with numerous activities.
HRH the Duke of Kent visits 36th Bradford South Scout group as part of a Royal Visit to Bradford. HRH speaks
to all leaders and young people during the visit.
The Bradford Districts secure funding from Youth Unit-ed Foundation (a national initiative) to employ a development officer to develop scouting in
inner city Bradford i.scoutbradford.
West Yorkshire Scouts hold a joint Jubilee Party event at Bradley Wood Campsite with West Yorkshire Girlguiding UK.
Lizzie Armistead, a former Explorer Scout from Otley gains an Olympic Silver Medal at the London 2012 Olympics in Cycling.
The Duchess of Cambridge becomes a Scout Volunteer in Wales.
The County Awards Ceremony is held at Bradford Cathedral, with the presentation of awards by Tim Kidd, Chief Commissioner of England.
The Beaver and Cub Christingle is held at Halifax Piece Hall.
Representatives of West Yorkshire Scouts are invited to a dinner hosted by the Lord Lieutenant in honour of the Queen’s visit to West Yorkshire in her Diamond Jubilee Year.
The Bradford Gang Show takes place with the cast and crew securing the official red necker.
Todmorden Gang Show takes place.
Heavy Woollen District organise a collection of Scout Uniforms to go out to the Scouts in Gambia.
18 Queen’s Scouts from across West Yorkshire travel to Windsor for the annual parade and are inspected by Bear Grylls, the Chief Scout and the Duchess of Cambridge.
The County Celebrates 65 years of Scouting in West Yorkshire with an Awards Ceremony and Celebration Service at Bradford Cathedral.
A group of Explorers and Network members travel to India as part of the “Himalayan Adventures Expedition”
Bullys Big Bash takes place with West Yorkshire Scouts part-nering with Bradford Bulls to take over the stadium and do a
display during half time at the match. The scouts also slip out in cardboard boxes raising awareness of Simon on the
Streets homeless charity.
The iscoutbradford project to open new scout groups in deprived areas starts.
The County Gangshow takes place
The County Awards Ceremony takes place at Bradford Cathedral
The Tour de France Grand Depart comes to West Yorkshire with many Scout Groups lining the route of the Tour and Burley in Wharfedale building an Eiffel Tower which is featured each night on BBC
news.
The iscoutbradford project is run with funding from the Youth United Foundation opens 24 new sections for over 400 young people in the Districts of Bradford North, Bradford South,
Keighley and Aire Valley culminating in the Solstice Camp with Wayne Bulpitt UK CC at Blackhills
The County MDU is used to promote scouting at Saltaire Festival
Youth membership in the County grows at its highest rate for over 12 years
The County launches its Youth Shaped initiative run by members of the County Network and County Youth Reps
Hannah Kentish is appointed UK Youth Commissioner
West Yorkshire Scouts holds the second BIG camp at Harrogate Show Ground in May consisting of over 6500 participants from across West Yorkshire and the North of England, the camp takes the record for being the largest ever (taking over from BIG camp in 2012).
The event is visited by Hannah Kentish UK Youth Commissioner, Tim Kidd Deputy UKCC and Wayne Bulpitt UKCC
The Scout Association celebrates the Year of Adventure for Cub Scouts
The County Awards Ceremony is held at Bradford Cathedral with the County President Dr ngrid Roscoe Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire presenting awards
The County Jamboree Unit flys to Japan with the NE Region Jamboree Unit (with 4 young people and 1 leader from West Yorkshire) flys to Japan
An explorer belt to Vietnam takes place by the County Network and an explorer belt to Ireland takes place by Spen Valley Network
The County Water Day takes place at Pugney’s reservoir
Bradford and Todmorden Gang Show’s takes place
Jennifer Fothergill, Peter Haigh, Ken MacKenzie and John Greenwood are appointed at Vice
Presidents of the County at the AGM
The West Yorkshire Archives Team for all their hard work...
Keith Moss, Kath Rawnsley Philip Wright Neil Leatherland Margaret Barker Bob Canham and everyone who sent in Photos.
